Many of us adults know that when life gets overwhelming we have a number of tools to help us deal with stress, anxiety, fatigue, and agitation. We might schedule a massage, do some yoga, work in the garden, go to a spa, or take a nice hike. As adults we have the tools to recognize when we’re feeling emotionally burdened or frazzled and we can take specific actions to help our nervous systems reset.

However, kids often don’t have that luxury. Maybe they know that if they snuggle with a parent they’ll feel better, and getting enough sleep certainly helps. But children typically aren't able to recognize when they are emotionally dysregulated. And as parents we often don’t think about taking a child for some deep physical care such as a massage, an acupuncture appointment, or herbal therapy to help their nervous system calm down. Acupuncture and acupressure are famous for their ability to help the body reset from a “fight or flight” state into a “rest and digest” state. Have you noticed that your child is more worked up than usual? Perhaps your child is more needy and you cannot provide enough support in terms of baths, outdoor time, and snuggles, to help him or her feel better. As an acupuncturist, I can see what imbalances your child is dealing with and provide treatment and lifestyle recommendations to help your child return to equilibrium. This typically helps with moods, behavior, sleep, and digestion. If your child has been showing signs of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm, acupuncture or acupressure is a great therapy to enable a sense of calm, ease, and resilience. Regular self-care is as important for children as it is for adults! If you have any questions about whether acupuncture or acupressure might be right for your child, please contact me. I look forward to working with you!